Assessed observation Most people don't like being observed when they are going to be judged - by an inspector or management. It can be hard to really be yourself in those situations, can't it? Here are some ideas for coping with this situation:
If you're allowed to, get them to participate, so they experience the class and don't just focus on you!
Again if you're allowed, ask them to focus on a particular area that you want feedback on.
Before feedback, if anything didn't work very well, be ready to say how you'd do it differently next time.
Any other hints?
Peer observation. This is tremendously valuable - you and a colleague watch each other teach. For each observation, both people benefit - the observer and the observed. It is useful if you both have an aim or a focus. For example, the observer might want to learn how to use some technology, so the observed teacher agrees to use it in class. But the observed teacher also wants feedback on how to deal with some different level students. After the observation, the two teachers discuss both subjects and any others that arise. There is no judgement involved, just helping each other out.
While peer observation is free, customised and very relevant CPD, it can be difficult to organise. If you teach a full timetable, you may have to ask to have your lesson covered while you observe, but if you explain the benefits, your school may agree.
Peer observation works best when it is voluntary and teachers choose who they observe.
Have you done peer observation? How did you arrange it?
How useful was it? Any tips?
Self-observation
Video yourself. Yes, I know! Most of us hate to watch ourselves on video. But it is very useful. You will see yourself doing things (helpful and not) that you would never see otherwise.And nobody else needs to see it.
If you really can't stand the thought of watching yourself, focus the video on the students (with their permission). You will hear yourself and probably remember what you were doing, but seeing their reaction can be just as useful (or more). Do they look excited, bored, confused, or involved at different stages of the lesson? Why?
If possible just set up the video camera (digital cameras are usually fine for this if you have a big SD card) on a tripod or shelf. You're more likely to forget it's there than if you have a cameraperson filming it.
Have you ever videoed yourself? Was it useful? Any tips?
Video observation
You can watch videos of other teachers on the web. Here are a few examples. Please add more.
Most people don't like being observed when they are going to be judged - by an inspector or management. It can be hard to really be yourself in those situations, can't it? Here are some ideas for coping with this situation:
- If you're allowed to, get them to participate, so they experience the class and don't just focus on you!
- Again if you're allowed, ask them to focus on a particular area that you want feedback on.
- Before feedback, if anything didn't work very well, be ready to say how you'd do it differently next time.
Any other hints?Peer observation.
This is tremendously valuable - you and a colleague watch each other teach. For each observation, both people benefit - the observer and the observed. It is useful if you both have an aim or a focus. For example, the observer might want to learn how to use some technology, so the observed teacher agrees to use it in class. But the observed teacher also wants feedback on how to deal with some different level students. After the observation, the two teachers discuss both subjects and any others that arise. There is no judgement involved, just helping each other out.
While peer observation is free, customised and very relevant CPD, it can be difficult to organise. If you teach a full timetable, you may have to ask to have your lesson covered while you observe, but if you explain the benefits, your school may agree.
Peer observation works best when it is voluntary and teachers choose who they observe.
Self-observation
Video yourself. Yes, I know! Most of us hate to watch ourselves on video. But it is very useful. You will see yourself doing things (helpful and not) that you would never see otherwise.And nobody else needs to see it.
If you really can't stand the thought of watching yourself, focus the video on the students (with their permission). You will hear yourself and probably remember what you were doing, but seeing their reaction can be just as useful (or more). Do they look excited, bored, confused, or involved at different stages of the lesson? Why?
If possible just set up the video camera (digital cameras are usually fine for this if you have a big SD card) on a tripod or shelf. You're more likely to forget it's there than if you have a cameraperson filming it.
Have you ever videoed yourself? Was it useful? Any tips?
Video observation
You can watch videos of other teachers on the web. Here are a few examples. Please add more.